Festivals

The state of Nagaland is home to several tribes who have their separate festivals revolving around agriculture. However, since the year 2000, the government began organising Hornbill Festival, named after the bird that is important in tribal culture, to foster inter-tribal interaction. The result is a spectacular display of arts and crafts, dance, music, food and culture and traditional games of the tribes. The festival takes place in state capital Kohima from 1 to 10 December every year.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: First week of December

STAY: There are hotels and camps in and around Kohima but they are booked full during the festival. Plan in advance.

GETTING THERE: The state’s biggest city Dimapur has flights from Kolkata. From Dimapur, Kohima is 2.5 hours by road.

The vineyards of Nashik in Maharashtra play host to a three-day music, food and wine extravaganza in February each year. With a line-up of international artists, a host of wine and spirit brands, gourmet food and fashion labels, the festival is a hit among youngsters. Glamping is particularly popular.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: First weekend of February

STAY: Camping at festival venue, hotels of all budgets in Nashik

GETTING THERE: The nearest airport is Mumbai, about 180km away. Nashik is also a prominent railway station.

In Madhya Pradesh’s remote Alirajpur and Jhabua districts, around the festival of Holi, a festival takes place in which elopement of young couples is not only tolerated, but celebrated. While most couples have known each other in the past, it is here that they ‘go public’ with their relationship. The men generally make the first move, applying gulal, a bright pink colour, to the girl’s cheeks. If she responds likewise, the two elope and, by tradition, their match is later approved by their respective families. The festival also doubles up as a fair, with trinkets, jewellery, toys and other knick-knacks for sale. The women in chunky silver jewellery and matching saris make for a